Method and machine for making stiffened fabrics



Sept, 2 29246 1501342 L. K. DAVIS METHOD AND MACHINE FOR MAKING STIFFENED FABRICS F1185 y 17, 1921 7 sneetmt 1v Sept, 2 21924. $597,342

' L. K. DAVIS METHOD AND MACHINE FOR MAKING STIFFENED FABRICS Filed May 17, 192 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Sept. 2 1924. 11,507,342

L. K. DAVIS METHOD AND MACHINE FOR MAKING STIFFENED FABRICS Filed May 17, 1921 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 LEG 7,342

Siegml;o 2 39246 L. K. DAVis METHOD AND MACHINE FOR MAKING STIFFENED FABRICS Filed May 17. 192] 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 WWW??? Sept. 2 ,.1924. 1,507,342

L. K. DAVIS METHOD AND MACHINE FOR MAKING STIFFENED FABRICS Filed May 17. 1921 7 Sheets-Sheet s W6 w v; 224:

7 Sheets-Sheet 6 L. K. DAVIS METHOD AND MACHINE FOR MAKING STIFFENED FABRICS Filed May 17 mwmw Sept. 2 11924.

Patented Sept. 2, 1924.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

LEWIS K. DAVIS, 01 YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOR TO VAUGHN CAMP, F NORFOLK,

VIRGINIA.

METHOD AND MACHINE FOR MAKING STIFFENED FABRICS.

Application filed Kay 17, 1921.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, LEWIS K. DAVIS, citizen of the United States, residing at New York, in the county of New York and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Method and Machine for Making Stifi'ened Fabrics, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in machines for making stiffened fabrics, such as may be used for packing articles for shipment or for securing upon a framework of timbers where it may be coated with plaster or cement to constitute a wall, either interior or exterior.

One of the objects of my invention is to provide mechanism for feeding to a moving platform a flexible material such as muslin, paper or other similar material which forms the backing of my fabric, where it will be given a suitable coating of mastic or other semi-liquid compound or adhesive substance.

Another object of my invention is to provide appropriate mechanism for feeding and depositing splints or laths or other reinforcing strips in spaced relation one to the other in the mastic or other adhesive substance upon the backing before the adhesive becomes dry and thereupon to subject the reinforcing strips so deposited to pressure so that they may become firmly embedded therein.

A further object of my invention is to provide two cut-off mechanisms toward the rear of the machine whereby as the fabric proceeds first the sides will be trimmed so that the fabric will be of uniform and even width and second the fabric will automatically be cut into certain lengths as desired by the trade and suitable for rolling into bundles for shipment.

With these and other objects in view which may be incident to my improvements, the invention consists in the parts and combinations to be hereinafter set forth and claimed, with the understanding that the several necessary elements comprising my invention, may be varied in construction, proportions and arrangement, without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

In order to make my invention more clearly understood, I have shown in the accompanying drawings means for carrying the same into practical effect, without limit- Serial No. 470,471.

ing the improvements in their useful applications to the particular constructions, which for the purpose of explanation, have been made the subject of illustration.

In the drawings:

Figures 1 and 1 put lengthwise to the right of Fig. 1 constitute a side elevation of my improved device.

Fig. 2 is a view at the left of the machine looking towards the front end thereof.

Fig. 3 is a detail enlarged side view showing the supporting frame for one of the sprocket Wheels which operate the travelling conveyor and the pressure roller below.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail view of the hopper for holding the laths and the operating means for feeding them to the travelling conveyor.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail view of the trough containing the mastic or other adhesive to be used in the construction of the fabric showing the means for adjusting one side of the trough whereby the flow of the adhesive may be increased or diminished as desired.

Fig. 6 is a View at the right of the machine, looking towards the rear end thereof.

Fig. 7 is a plan view of the cam shaft and its connections as seen mounted upon the top of the machine in Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a side elevation of the mastic trough showing the mechanism for operating it, and showing in cross section the table across which it extends. v

Fig. 9 is a cross sectional view of the trough, on line 99 of Fig. 8.

Figs. 10 and 13 are detail views of the mechanism for operating the slide, the latter on line 1313 of Fig. 8.

Fig. 11 is a detail view of an.arrange-- ment for adjusting the pressure against the conveyor of the spring bands shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. 12 is a detail sectional view of the arm on the lower side of the chute shown in Fig. 4 which directs the reinforcing strips upon the conveyor as they fall from the chute,

Fig. 14. (see Fig. 1) is a detail view partly in section showing the construction of the spring roller support.

Fig. 15 is an enlarged detail view of the cut-off.

The numeral 1 represents the frame of a machine constructed preferably of metal and provided with a number of points of support 2 adapted to rest firmly and evenly upon blocks of stone or concrete. At the front end of the machine is a bearing 3 supported upon legs 4 and below the bearing 3 and on each side of the machine, are coil springs 5 adapted to support in an adjustable manner a spindle 3 supporting a roll of paper 6. By this means as the roll of paper is diminished the spind.e supporting the roll rises and the paper is kept constantly on a level with the top of the table 7. It passes between friction rollers 8 and 8', thence over a heating plate or table 9 supplied with means of heat through a pipe 10. The table 9 on each side is provided with a guide 12 to properly position the paper upon it as it passes on its way. 7

As the paper reaches the farther end of the heating plate, it passes between a pair of triangular frames 13 thence to and over the roller or cylinder 14. The purpose of the frame-work 13 is to support a trough and a series of heating coils 16 and 16', the former connected with the inlet steam pipe -17 and the latter with the outlet steam pipe 17' and into the transverse trough 18 descends a mastic or other adhesive supply pipe 18'. The trough consists of two side members 19 and 19' substantially V-shaped towards the lower ends and so arranged that the distance between them may be increased or diminished as desired by means of a hand adjusting wheel 21 as will be more fully hereinafter described. The lower ends of the adjustable sides of the trough terminate above a smaller trough 25 also extending transversely of the machine and into the smaller trough passes any mastic which may drop from the adjustable trough, whence it is directed into a ipe 26 and returned to the source of supp y, and as seen in Fig. 5 this pipe is provided. with a turn cock 27.

At the point 7 the table or platform is cut away or slotted so that the portion of the upper periphery of the pulley 14 may be on a level with the paper. There is another pulley 10' farther along (see Fig. 1) and from one to the other extends a camels hair or other suitable belt 27 whereby upon the application of power, the two pulleys move in unison to carry the paper towards the front end of the machine.

The pulley 14 first above named, is mounted in bearings 28 secured by bolts 29 to a vertical 11- right 31 on the frame of the machine. ilpon the platform or table and just beyond said pulley and} to the right thereof, is an evening roller or doctor 32 mounted in bearings 33 extending upwardly from the sides of the table. This roller is diagonally located with respect to the parallel sides of the tableand closely beneath its near end is a metallic chute or trough 34 whose bottom 35 is slightly inclined towards a drain 36 which is connected with a discharge pipe 37. The purpose of this roller or doctor is to evenly distribute upon the paper the mastic which has heretofore been deposited thereon from the mastic trough and by reason of its being diagonally located or positioned with respect to the parallel sides of the table any surplus is pushed over the edge of the table, and drops into the chute 34 and is returned to the source of supply.

The shaft 38 of the second pulley 10' is suitably mounted in bearings 39 upon the framework of the machine and below the bottom of said pulley and extending towards the left thereof is a worm or screwthreaded shaft 42 journaled in bearings 43 and 43' attached to the side of the machine frame. 44 is an adjusting wheel hav- 35 ing a worm shaft 45 in gear with a worm wheel 46 which is mounted on said shaft 42 and imparts motion to an idler 47 mounted in a traveling bearing 48 upon the said shaft 42. The purpose of this idler is to enable proper pressure to be brought upon the belt 27 when slack, so that any slipping thereof may be avoided.

Beyond the evening or smoothing roller 32, and mounted upon the bed of the machine is a vertical framework the same being bolted to the bed by means of bolts 51 (Fig. 3). This framework consists of a lower portion '52 and an upper portion 53, the same being secured together by bolts 54. In the upper part of this frame-- work and within an opening 55 is a bearing 56 whose sides are adapted to move upon vertical slides 56' in the framework. Between the said bearing 56 and upper 105 plate 57 adapted to move upon slides 58, is a coil spring 58'.

Passing through a portion of the frame 59 which is provided with a screw threaded aperture is a screw threaded adjusting bolt 60 which may be screwed up or down to exert greater or less pressure as is desired upon the bearings of-the shaft 60 of the sprocket wheel 61, over which passes a conveyor 62 provided with receiving elements 115 or plates 63 which extend transversely across the machine and are connected one to' the other. Their purpose is to receive from a supply chute or hopper, presently to be described, the reinforcing strips 64 and to 120 convey and deposit them upon the masticcovered paper. Between the two sprockets and mounted on standards 65, is a platform or table 65' over which the catenary travels from the sprockets just described to similar 12 ones 66 mounted in the frame 66' (see Fig. 1) located in adjustable bearings 67 some distance beyond the sprocket first described. There is a spring metal band 63', one end of which is secured in a lug 64 011 the chute supporting frame 73, and the other end of which is made into several coils and secured upon a bracket 53' extending from the upper portion of the frame 53. The purpose of this spring is to exert a downward pressure upon the face of the reinforcing strips as they travel over the platform to the sprocket wheel 61.

Referring to Fig. 2 it will be observed that on a rod 68' mounted in bearings on the side frame member and depending therefrom are three curved spring metal plates or hands 69 which extend to just above the paper passing over the platfdrm of the machine and are kept in proper adjustment relative to the receiving side of the conveyor elements as they turn around the sprockets, by adjusting springs 70 mounted in the frame extension 71, (Fig. 11). The object of these bands is to press against the reinforcing strips in the elements as they pass thereunder and to adjust and hold them evenly in position and prevent their falling out as they descend until they about reach the paper where they are deposited evenly in the adhesive thereon as the backing is about to pass between the sprocket and the pressure roller 72 designed to exert pressure on the fabric at this point and firmly embed each strip into the adhesive. Beyond this point the paper with the strips embedded therein thus constituting a unitary fabric is under a gradually decreasing pressure, the catenary finally leaving the platform of the machine to pass over the sprocket Wheel 66, similar to the sprocket wheel 61.

Strip chute. v,

At a point nearly intermediate the pulleys 9 and 10' and extending upwardly from each side of the machine are vertical supporting side frames 7 2 and extending transversely of the machine from one side to the other, is a brace or cross bar uniting the two. Upon the top of the side members are plates 73 secured thereto b bolts 74 and extendin upwardly at an ang e of about 75 is locate a chute or hopper 75 for the reinforcing strips, the lower end of which is bolted to a frame plate 76.

The right hand side of this strip holder is provided with an offset portion 77 at right angles to the hopper and extending in the same vertical plane is an arm 78 bolted to offset 77, and having a strengthening web 79. The end of the arm 78 is apertured and mounted therein is a short shaft 80 u which rocks an inverted V-shaped bell crank lever consisting of two members 81 and 82. The arm 82 is connected to the outer end of connecting rod 83, the lower section of which is attached to a cam 84 travelling in the eccentric 85, the shaft 86 of which recelves power from any suitable source. 86'

pan.

is a turnbuckle, the purpose of which is to adjust the length of the rod sections 83. To the arm 81 is pivotally secured a short connecting rod 87 and to the latter is pivotally secured a plunger 88 resting on a guide plate 88' at the bottom of the hopper. The hopper 7 5 is rectangular in cross-section and is of a size to easily receive and hold a supply of strips or laths 64 and is provided on its lower side with an offset through which passes a finger 89 surrounded by a spiral spring 90. The finger is provided with a roller at its lower'end and the object of the roller 90' is to guide successive strips into its place in the conveyor elements as they pass thereunder impelled by the plunger 88.

Referring to Fig. 4, the operation of distributing the strips is as follows: Power is supplied to theshaft 86 which drives the eccentric which revolves in the direction of the arrow, this moves the arm 81 of the bell crank towards the right which draws with it the short connecting rod 87 and the slide 88 attached thereto and lets fall a strip against the bottom of the hopper. When the eccentric reaches its highest point, a reverse movement takes place and the slide upon its return movement pushes the lowest strip through'an opening in the lower side of the chute and it falls, assisted by the finger 89 into the conveyor passing below.

It is {to be understood that the mechanism for operating theslide in the bottom of the hopper is coordinated to act with the catenary, so that as each conveyor element arrives below the finger 89, a strip is synchronously and automatically dropped into it, so that the lathsare fed in continuous process to the catenary and by it in continuous process to the backing where by pressure applied ahnost immediately it is embedded in the adhesive upon the paper. After coming from between the rollers, the pressure gradually lessens until there is none at all in a few seconds when the catenary rises to traverse the second sprocket wheel.

In this connection attention is invited to the fact that the platform upon which the wall board moves terminates at the point 91; that is to say, just at a point where 1t reaches the upper circumference of the cylinder or roller 10' and after passing said roller the paper with the strips embedded therein is supported by spring actuated roller supporting rollers 92.

Referring to Fig. 14, (see Sheet 1) there is illustrated one of the'spring actuated supporting rollers 92. This part of the mechanism consists of a series of rollers, each like the other. Each end of the lower shaft 92 is mounted in an arm 93 extending inwardl from each of the parallel sides. Said sha t extends transverse y of the frame and is rovided with a sleeve 94, within which 1s a helical spring 95, fastened at 96 to the shaft III 92', and fastened near its other end to the nism is as follows: The springs semirigidly hold upright the vertical arms and' support the fabric as it passes over, but when the carriage upon which the blade to be presently described moves against the supporting roller the latter gives and descends in the arc of a circle as indicated in Fig. 1; immediately the carriage passes the roller, the spiral spring within the lower roller reassumes its former position bringing its side arms again into vertical position and supporting the fabric. There are several of these rollers, three being shown in Fig. 1.

Referring to Fig. 1 at the point 102 there is located on each side of the machine a circular saw 103 mounted upon a shaft 104 supported in the frame 1. Over its saw edge at that side nearest the roller 10 is a cover or chute 106, the purpose of which is to divert the sawdust downwardly so that it may be caught in a suitable receptacle and not clog up the machinery. The purpose of the saws is to trim the strips (and the paper also) should they not be of roper width so that the fabric which shal have passed beyond the saws will be uniform in this respect.

Mounted upon the side of the main frame of the machine, one on each side, are longitudinal frame bars 200, and located on the outer part of the near one is a rack bar 201, for a, purpose presently to be described. On top of these bars slides an auxiliary frame or carriage consisting of cross and side pieces 202 (see Fig. 6) with a flooring thereon. Said frame has a de ending arm 206 in the center of the cross bar which is 'interiorly screw threaded so as to cooperate with a worm shaft 207, (Figs. 1 and 6), the latter having a pinion 203, engaging with an intermeshing pinion 204, upon a shaft 205, supported in bearings 208 and of the standards in bearings 215 is a reciprocating bar 216 and this bar at its center is provided with a pin 216 (see Fig. 7) adapted to travel in a groove 217 of a cam 218. Said rod is further provided near each end with additional pins 219, which fit loosely within the upper, slotted ends of hell crank levers 220, the lower members 222 of which are pivotally secured to the bar 212, and support the blade 213. The action of the bell crank levers is such as to slidably operate the blade.

Forward of the knife and to one side of the carriage and on the side of the near bar 200'to the left in Fig. 6 is a shaft carrying upper and lower clutch members 224 and 225. .The upper end of the shaft is provided with a toothed pinion 226 adapted to intermesh with a pinion 227, the latter being mounted upon one end of a shaft 228, having a gear 229, adapted to intermesh with a larger gear wheel 230, on the cam shaft 230'. The cam 218 on this shaft engages the pin 216 and gives the bar 216' a reciprocating movement.

Mounted upon the carriage is a bar 23 secured to the machine and extending upwardly to and forming part of the support for the bearing for the shaft carrying the cam 218'. Almost midway of the distance is a laterally extending arm 231 ppomq which are mounted bell-crank levers 232 and 233. The bell-crank lever 232 is provided with a plunger 234 fitting into a dash pot 235 and surrounded by a spring 236. The

lower end of the plunger extends through the lower end of the dash pot as at 237 and fits into slots 238 upon the arcuate bar 239.

The other bell-crank lever 233, is pivoted at 240. The bar 231 upon which the arcuate bar is mounted extends to the left beyond the lower end of the arc and is provided with a spring 242 whose lower end extends to the lower arm of the bell-crank 233. The bar 239 is ivoted at 243 and that portion 244 exten ing to theright of the pivotal point is provided at its end with a semi-circular arm 245 which extends partially around and below the boss 246, on the upper member of the clutch.

The two bell-cranks 232 and 233 at their outer ends are united by a lever 246' by the actuation of which they are synchronously operated, as follows: When downward pressure is applied to the lever 246' the upper bell-crank 232 withdraws the plunger from the dash-pot 235 and enables it to be placed in the lower notch in the arcuate bar 239. At the same time the bell-crank 233 pushes the semi-circular end 245 of the arm 238 against the under side of the boss 246 on the upper clutch member and lifts the upper member out of engagement with the lower member, and as a consequence thereof the operatingmechanism above the lower clutch member ceases to function. When, however, a reverse movement is given to the Io crating lever 246, the reverse action takes 'p ace, the end 245 of the arm 244 is w1thdrawn from below the boss 246 and the ,upper member is allowed to descend into "engagement with the lower member, the two operate as a unit and motion is imparted :to the several intermeshing gears, above the clutch shaft.

The operation of the cut-off mechanism is as follows: Motion being imparted to the worm shaft by pinion 204 operated from any suitable source, the carriage with its mechanism moves back and forth along the bars 200, the length of the rack bar 201, there being an automatic and reversible clutch mechanism such as is used upon .lathes, with which the right hand end of the shaft 205 (Fig. 6) coacts. At the same time the inion 250 on the lower end of the clutch .sha t 225' engages the teeth upon the rack bar 201 and the members of the clutch being in engagement, the shaft revolves as the pinion travels over the rack and rotates the pinion 226 on the upper member of the clutch and through the intermediate interineshing gears, heretofore described, operate the cam. The movement of the cam operates the projecting pin 216 within the groove 217 and the latter operates the rock bar 216 which in turn operates the bell crank levers 220 which impart to the knife the desired sliding action as it descends upon the fabric beneath.

:- It is to be noted that the travel of the carriage and its cutting mechanism is synchronous with the travel of the fabric upon the main machine frame, so that while the blade is in the act of cutting the paper, it is also traveling with it and at the same rate of speed; in this way any buckling pf the fabric against the blade which mightoccur,

" were the knife stationarily mounted, is entirely avoided.

:3 Referring to Figs. 8 and 9 the numerals 300 and 301 represent the two sides of the mastic hopper which extends transversely of the machine, the lower ends 302 and 303 of which are bent so as to come rather closely together. The construction of the end 303 of the side 301 is quite different however, from the construction of the other side and a cross-sectional view thereof is shown in Fig. 9. Said side at the point 304 is thickened quite considerably and drilled to provide for the reception of a bushing 305 having an hexagonal head 306 extending over the upper edges of the drilled aperture and through this bushing extends an operating rod 307. The lower end of said rod is reduced as at 308 and threaded so as to fit within the corresponding screw-threaded portion of an enlargement or head 310 of a slide 311. The end 312 of the slide 311 is bent at an angle so as to completely cover and close the opening between the sides when the slide 311 is in closed position. Just below the head 310 of the slide 311 on the exterior portion 303 of the side 301 is a pair of bosses 313 into which is screwthreaded a bolt 314 which passes through a central longitudinal slot 315 in the slide 311 and acts as a. guide to direct the movement of the slide.

The upper portion of the operating rod 307 is enlarged as at 316 and extending at right angles thereto is a pin 317 extending therethrough, the ends of which slide in slots 318 of cams 319 mounted on the same shaft 320 as the worm wheel 321. The wheel 321 is mounted on the shaft 320, and so geared as to engage the worm shaft 322 mountedin bearings 323. The right side of the shaft (see Figs.v 5 and 8) is provided with a hand wheel 21 having a handle 325 by turning which the worm shaft operates the mechanism described for moving the sllde 311 up or down. It is to be observed, that the groove 318 upon the cams extends for approximately 180 around its face and 'while the operating rod is reciprocated in accordance with the movement of the hand wheel, its entire movement in either direction, is confined within a limit of two inches or thereabouts.

Mounted in bearings 326 upon the upper part of the plate as seen in Fig. 8, is the shaft 320. The two sets of cams thereon are of like construction and the operating rods 307 for moving the lower portion of the plate are also of like construction.

I claim as my invention:

1. The method of manufacturing stiffened fabrlc consisting in heating the backing, in applying an adhesive thereon and embedding reinforcing strips therein.

2. The method of manufacturing stiffened fabric consisting? in heating the backing, in applying an adhesive thereto, in embedding reinforcing strips therein and in subjecting the fabric and strips to pressure. 3. The method of manufacturing stiffened fabric consisting in heating the backing, in applying an adhesive thereto, in embedding reinforcing-strips therein and in subjecting the fabric to a gradually decreasing pressure.

4. The method of manufacturing stiffened fabric consisting in heating the backing, in applying an adhesive thereto, in embeding reinforcing strips therein, and in cutting the fabric into predetermined lengths.

5. The method of manufacturing stiffened fabric consisting in heating the backing, in applying an adhesive thereto, in embedding reinforcing strips therein in spaced relation one to the other and in cutting the fabric into predetermined lengths.

6. The method of'manufacturing stiffened fabric consistin in heating the backin in applying an a hesive thereto, in em dding reinforcing stri s therein, 1n trimming the edges thereof w ere necessary and in cutting the fabric into predetermined lengths.

7. The method of manufacturing stiffened fabric consisting'in heating the backing, in appl ing an adhesive thereto, in embedding rein orclng strips therein, in automatically trimming the edges thereof where necessary and in automatically cutting the fabric into predetermined lengths.

8. The method of manufacturing stiffened fabric consisting in heating the backing, In applying an adhesive thereto, in embedding reinforcing strips therein and in automatically cutting the fabric into predetermined lengths. v

9. The method-of'manufacturing stiffened fabric consisting in heating the backing, in appl ing'an adhesive thereto, in embedding rein orcmg strips therein in spaced relation one to the other, in subjecting the fabric to pressure which gradually decreases and in cutting the fabric into predetermined lengths.

10. The method of manufacturing stiffened fabric consisting in heating the backing, in applying an adhesive thereto, in embedding reinforcing strips therein in spaced relation one to the other, in subject-ing the fabric to pressure which gradually decreases, in trimming the edges of the fabric where uneven, and in cutting the fabric into predetermined lengths.

11. The method of manufacturing stiffened fabric consisting in progressing a fabric through a machine, in applying an adhesive thereto, in embedding reinforcing strips therein and in subjecting the fabric to a pressure which gradually decreases.

12. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with means for, progressing a backing material through the machine, means for heating the material, and means for distributing an adhesive upon said material and means for evenly spreading said adhesive, of means for depositing reinforcing strips in spaced relation one to the other upon the adhesive.

13. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with means for progressing a backing material through the machine, means for heating the material,

-means for distributing an adhesive upon said material, and a hopper for reinforcing strips, of means for delivering said strips in spaced relation one to the other from the hopper to the adhesive and means for embeddin said strips into the adhesive.

14. 11 an apparatus of the character described, the combination with means for progressing a backing material through the machine, means for heating the material, means for distributing an adhesive thereon, means for evenly spreading the adhesive, and a hopper for reinforcin strips, of means for deliverin said strips in spaced relation one to the ot er from the ho per to and upon the adhesive and means or embedding the strips'into the adhesive.

15. The method of making stiffened fabrics consisting in progressing backing material through a machine, in heatin said material, in applying an adhesive t ereto, in imb'edding reinforcing strips therein and in subjecting the fabric to a pressure which gradually decreases.

16. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with means for progressing a backing material through the machine, and an evening roller diagonally dis sed with respect to the backing niaterial, of means for depositing strips --in spaced relation one to the other upon the adhesive.

17. In a device of the character described, the combination with means for progressing a backin material through a fabric making mach1ne, a roller diagonally positioned above the backing as it progresses through the machine forevenly distributing an adhesive u on said material, of a conveyor mounte above the platform of the machine, a chute for reinforcing strips nearby, means to vdeliver the strips onto the conveyor and a ressure roller below the conveyor adjacentthe point Where the strips are delivered to exert at that point the heaviest pressure upon the strips to which they are subjected.

18. In a device of the character described, the combination with means for conveying a backing material to and through a fabric making machine,'means for automatically depositing an adhesive substance upon the backing, and a roller diagonally positioned above the backing as it progresses through the machine for evenly distributing the adhesive upon the backing, of a traveling conveyor mounted above the platform of the machine, a chute for reinforcing strips mounted above the conveyor, and means to automatically deliver the strips upon the conveyor and to deposit them into the adhesive upon the backing;

19. In a device of the character described, the combination with means for conveying a backing material through a fabric making machine, means for automatically depositmenace a chute for reinforcing strips mounted above the conveyor, means to automatically deliver the strips upon the conveyor and deposit them into the adhesive upon the backing, and means for exerting pressure upon the strips when so deposited.

20. In a device of the character described, the combination with means for conveying a backing material through a fabric making machine, means for automatically depositing anadhesive substance upon the backing, a roller diagonally positioned above the backing as it progremes through the machine for evenly distributing the adhesive upon the backing, a traveling conveyor mounted above the platform of the machine, a chute for reinforcing strips mounted above the'conveyor, and means to automatically deliver the strips upon the conveyor and to deposit them into the adhesive upon the backing, of means for exerting pressure upon the strips when so deposited in the adhesive, means for automatically trimming the fabric to a uniform width, and means for automatically cutting the fabric into uniform lengths as it passes through the machine.

21. In a device of the character described, the combination with means for conveying a backing material through a fabric making machine, means for automatically depositing an adhesive substance uponthe backing, a roller diagonally positioned above the backing as it progresses through the machine for evenly distributing the adhesive upon the backing, a travelin" conve or mounted above the platform of t e machine, and a chutefor relnforcing strips mounted above the conveyor, of means v.to automatically deliver the strips upon the conveyor and to deposit them into the adhesive upon the backing, and means for exerting pressure upon the strips when deposited in the adhesive by the conveyor. v

22. In a device of the character described, the combination with means for conveying a backing material through a fabric making machine, means for automatically depositing an adhesive substance upon the backing, means for evenly spreading the adhesive upon the backing, a travelling conveyor mounted above the. platform of the machine, a chute for reinforcing strips mounted above the conveyor, and means to automatically deliver the strips upon the conveyor and to deposit themi into the adhesive upon the backing, means forexerting pressure upon the strips when so deposited, of means for' trimming the edges of the fabric as it passes toward the rear of the machine, and yieldin transverse rollers adapted to support the fa ric and to yield to the rio.

23. In a device of the character described, the combination with means for conveying a backing material through a fabric making machine, means for automatically depositing an adhesive substance upon the backing, a roller diagonally positioned above the backing as it progresses through the machine for evenly distributing the adhesive upon the backing, ,a traveling conveyor mounted above the platform of the machine, a chute for reinforcing strips mounted above the conveyor, and means to automatically deliver the strips upon the conveyor and to deposit them into the adhesive upon the backing, of means for exerting pressure upon the strips when so deposited, means for trimming the edges of the fabric as it pressure of the knife as it cuts the fab- .passes toward the rear of the machine, and

a cut-off mechanism to automatically sever the fabric into predetermined lengths.

24. In a device of the character described, means for conveyin a backing material to and through a fa ric making machine, means for automatically depositing an ad hesive substance upon the backing, means for evenly spreading the adhesive upon the backing, a travelling conveyor passing over sprocket wheels mounted above the bed of the machine, and a "chute for reinforcing strips mounted above the conveyor, of means to automatically'deliver the strips upon the conveyor and to de osit them into the adhesive upon the bac ing, and curved bands depending over the conveyor to hold the strips in place as the conveyor descends towards the 'bed of the machine.

25. In a machine fo the character described, the combination with means for pro ssing a backingmaterial through the mac inc and a distributing trough for adhesive material comprising convergin lower side Walls, a slide in one of said wa Is and means for actuating thesame so as to regulate the size of the opening therebetween, of means for depositing reinforcing strips in the adhesive upon the backing material.

26. In a machine of the character described, the combination with means for progressing a backing material through the machine and a distributin trough for adhesive material comprisingower side walls, a slide in one of said walls, means for actuating the same in one of said walls and means Within the trough to heat the adhesive, of means for depositing reinforcing strips in spaced relation one to the other in the adhesive upon the backin material.

In testimony whereof I a x my signature.

LEWIS K. DAVIS 

